Modeling Tips

by: Elizabeth Wood - MUA
January 17, 2010

As promised, here are my top three photo-friendly foundations--the ones I recommend again and again to all my clients, not just the models and brides. Each of these foundations can fit into your daily routine, as they look beautiful in all lights and for all occasions. Though I love and use each of these products, I have ranked them according to their versatility. Starting with number one, which performs the best universally on my clients, and counting back to number three, which I keep in my kit for more select circumstances, I hope that anyone posing for the camera will find their ideal photo-friendly foundation:

1. MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation--available for $29.50 at Macy's or http://www.maccosmetics.com/. For years, I saw MAC bases as a necessary evil that I'd only use under exigent circumstances. Needless to say, I was shocked when I fell in love with this foundation. With a unique gel-based formula, this oil-free foundation doesn't feel like the typical liquids or creams on the market and thus functions like a best of both worlds. It blends seamlessly onto the skin blending to an almost indescribably perfect finish. (Satin is as close as I can get, but that really doesn't do it justice.) On camera and in real life, it appears both natural and somehow better than natural. Instantly it makes skin look, well, healthy and gives you that coveted peaches and cream complexion.
   
   Okay, I sound a bit dramatic, but this foundation really does work wonders. And maybe part of the reason I love it is because it's created flawless skin when wonders were what I needed. Many of my clients suffer from acne, eczema, or other skin conditions. Their skin is dehydrated, yet they constantly break out. They have large pores, but their skin is flaky. They have sunburns. They need coverage. They need comfort. Most foundations can't provide that.
   
   Providing medium to full coverage, this foundation addresses the needs of most women with less than perfect skin. It contains shea butter, which hydrates the skin and makes the formula creamy enough to use over blemishes and other imperfections without looking cakey. It can be used alone or with a concealer for extra coverage. And I've literally seen women begin to cry when they looked at their skin in the mirror because they'd never felt so beautiful. That's worth a little drama to me.
   
   And it has an added bonus. Priced under thirty bucks, it's the most economical pick on our list.
   
   
2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free and/or Moisturizing Foundation available for $42.00 at Sephora or http://www.lauramercier.com/. As someone with combination skin, I am tired of having to choose between looking haggard for the sake of an oily T-zone or wiping away grease so my cheeks won't feel tight. Sure, they make foundations with all kinds of smart technology, but unfortunately they usually don't look so hot in photos or come in shades too dark, too yellow, or too pink for my ivory complexion. So forgive me for cheating, but I just couldn't pick one formula of this Laura Mercier liquid foundation for the number two slot. Both come in shades I have never seen in another line. Both provide blendable coverage. And both formulas make your skin look like skin. Here you won't have to choose between too matte or too dewy. Just pick a formula based on what your skin needs to look flawless all day. Sound too good to be true? All right. These foundations aren't perfect. A God-send for the fairest of us, Laura Mercier might want to expand her collection... You know, so people outside the Caucasian race can enjoy her products too. Just a thought.
   
   
3. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick available for $40.00 at Bloomingdale's or http://www.bobbibrown.com/. If Laura Mercier doesn't offer a shade for you, I guarantee Bobbi Brown will. Her exquisite collection of yellow-based shades work on all skin tones and women from every background (They also help control redness in women with rosacea or, well, just pale skin.) This conveniently packaged cream foundation is extremely user-friendly: portable, great for touch-ups. It looks amazing with the littlest effort; just streak it across your cheek and rub it in with your fingertips. I know photographers who request that I use this foundation whenever I shoot with them because this matte finish is never cakey and makes PhotoShop practically unnecessary. Unfortunately, it's not for everyone. Those with oily skin or acne should be advised that one of Bobbi's liquid foundations would make a better option. (Don't worry. It comes in the same great colors.)

Hopefully one of these foundations will become your product of choice next time you're in the limelight, but please don't think these are the only photo-friendly products out there. In addition to these three products, check out MakeUp ForEver HD Invisible Cover (exclusively at Sephora for $40.00), which comes in an amazing number of shades in a smooth oil-free liquid with medium-to-full coverage. Test drive Lancome Teint Idoleor Estee Lauder Double Wear Light the next time you see a gift with purchase advertised at your local department store. They both offer longwearing results that are awesome for outdoor shoots and weddings where touch ups just aren't doable. There are dozens of great products on the market, so remember to shop wisely the next time you need your bases covered.

Elizabeth’s blog | http://sassafrasbeauty.blogspot.com